ROYAL OAK (WWJ) — Spending extended time in the hospital can be difficult for any child — especially this time of the year.
Corewell Health and Metro Detroit community members are once again stepping up to help bring a little light and joy to those kids’ holiday seasons.
Monday night marks the first night of “Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams” at Corewell Health Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, as hundreds of people will gather each night through Dec. 23 for what is becoming a Metro Detroit holiday season tradition.
At 8 p.m. sharp, for 10 minutes each night, friends and neighbors of all ages will use flashlights to beam light up to the windows of the pediatric unit. Pediatric patients inside the hospital return the glow with flashlights of their own.
Launched in 2017, Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams “created to lift the hearts of children and families who might feel isolated or have difficulty settling in for a good night’s sleep during the winter holidays,” according to a Corewell press release.
Each night is complete with music, dancing and holiday spirit. Attendees can also support Corewell Health Children’s by donating new toys from a specified Amazon wishlist featuring toys, art supplies and more.
Items may be delivered via Amazon or in person during the event. Corewell has a drop box located inside the Medical Office Building.
Moonbeams co-leader Lisa Muma says the wishlist is a great way to help out if you’re unable to make it in-person.
“The art supplies are used by our art therapist, who does a lot of therapeutic art projects with the children that they then can take home — wonderful, wonderful work she does with the children,” Muma said.
She noted the wishlist includes toys for all kids, from infants to teens, and are used throughout the year.
What to know if you’re attending Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams”
Attendees are asked to arrive by 7:45 p.m. to leave plenty of time for parking. Carpooling is recommended. Participants should gather on the sidewalk near the Medical Office Building located across from the East entrance; wayfinding signs will be posted around campus.
Buses and groups of 10 or more are asked to register here.
Parking is available in the small parking lot across from the North parking deck and just east of the Medical Office Building campus.
From the 13 Mile Road entrance, follow the blue signs toward the North parking deck and park in the lot across from the parking deck entrance. Additional parking is also available near the Coolidge Highway entrance and at the Neuroscience Center.
Reminders:
• Do not bring drones or laser pointers.
• Only use restrooms located in the Medical Office Building. Do not enter the main hospital.
• Do not attend when experiencing symptoms of cold, flu or COVID-19.